Carol C., David (Jin Seok) K, Joe B. World Geography G block May 1, 2011
Desertification of Sahel
A picture showing the desertification in Sahel
Global View
Desertification is one of the biggest environmental problem of today. It takes place in many of the drylands all over the world, causing many of its inhabitants to flee. Right now about 40 percent of Earth’s land are . Of this 40 percent, about 10 to 20 percent are being degraded into deserts. Already about one to six percent have already have suffered because of desertification, and about a billion people are under its threat. It is widely accepted that desertification is something that occurs mainly in Africa, but it is also going on in many other parts of the world. For example, in China, desertification is a huge problem that is going on in the rural areas.
A diagram explaining the cause and process of desertification
Sahel
Sahel is the region below the Sahara desert and the Sudanian Savannas.The region is currently experiencing desertification, as parts of its land are turning into arid desert. One misconception about this process is that many people believe the cause of desertification in Sahel is because of its exposure to the Sahara desert. The actual cause, however, is that the agricultural activity and decrease in vegetation. This allows for wind to easily break up the soil cause erosion, eventually leading to desertification. The reason as to why agricultural activity and vegetation decreased is because of the increasing urbanization in these African countries. More and more farmers are leaving to the cities for a better job, deserting the Sahel to desertification. Another cause of desertification is the slashing and burning method that people use to clear out forests. The slashing and burning method is a very convenient way for people to get rid of forests, but is very harmful to the soil quality. Too much slashing and burning can permanently harm the land and turn it into desert as the soil erodes away. Another minor cause of Sahel's desertification is wrong method of irrigation that washed the topsoil of the land and cause the land to become salty and hard to vegetate on.
A chart showing the increasing irregularity and decrease of precipitation in Sahel
Effects
The effects of desertification of Sahel is harsh for many people who are living there. Farming has now become increasingly difficult for the remaining farmers. It has also affected its climate, making precipitation erratic and causing many droughts that caused damage to the farmers. This desertification harms not only the humans but the whole environment of the area. Animals and plants that once lived in the savanna now have to move or die because of the desertification that is taking over the grasslands. The partial desertification also created the sandstorms, which gave huge damage to those who got hit by it. In 2008, Heavy sandstorms hit the eastern plain of Somalia and the northeast part of Kenya, leaving heavy damage to the regions. Also on 2010, a major sandstorm hit Mauritania, Senegal, the Gambia and other regions which caused many people to suffer.
A diagram explaining the effect of monsoon to precipitation and desertification in Sahel
Solution to the problem
Possible solution to this problem is to increase vegetation and agricultural activities and intercrop edible perennials in their field. Perennials will stabilize the soil by holding on to the land tightly with its roots, therefore preventing the soil from getting eroded by water and wind. Perennials can also fertilize the land. This will not only stabilize the land, but also create more food for the farmers too. Another solution could be to replant and vegetate degrading areas that have yet turned into deserts. This process will be costly as planting and growing in the already degraded land would require expensive fertilization. Also, in order to prevent further desertification, the use of slashing and burning method to clean out land should be strictly prohibited or controlled. Irrigation should also be brought under close care.
Such oil spill is contaminating bodies of water. Nigerians near delta are unable to use the water because of its current condition.
Global Occurrences
Oil pollution is a global problem; every year, hundred million US gallon oil spills occur. In 1991, the biggest oil spill took place at Persian Gulf, and in 2010 of April, the second largest oil spill took place at the Gulf of Mexico. Other oil spills include in places like the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, Kolva River in Russia, and Saldanha Bay, South Africa.
Globally, the instances of oil spill is decreasing; however, one event can have as much impact as half of the year's oil spill. Hence, yearly amount of oil spill is rather unpredictable.
Causes of Oil Spill
This global issue arises from the massive demand of oil in many developed countries like United States. For example, approximately 710 million gallons of oil is needed for US to sustain its place. It is inevitable that more than 30 billion gallons of oil are at sea being transported every day, and most oil spills occur when these ships are carrying out routine operations at terminals. During loading and discharging, oil spillages occur. However, accidents such as tank collisions, hull failures, and explosions are also big causes of oil spillage as well.
It explains how oil spill can continuously affect the environment. For more than 50 years, Niger has been suffering from oil pollution, and because of this (shown in diagram) reason, clean up work is urgent.
Causes of Oil Spill in Niger
Over two and a half million barrels of oil have been split into Niger Delta between 1976 and 1998. Intentional explosions and leaking pipelines are major causes of the oil losses, and because it ran through villages, farms, and rivers, it caused sickness and economic ruin for Nigerians near the delta. Furthermore, oil spills contaminated the water and the marine environment. Fishes caused even more sickness to people, and led to economic downfall of the fish industry.
Effects in Niger
Because oil accounts for 80 to 90 percent of Nigeria’s income, the oil industry is crucial for Niger’s economic maintenance. However, the damages caused by companies and government are detrimental to environment and to humans. The damages are often intentional because bandits drain and resell the fuel, subsequently killing more than 2,000 people by pipeline explosions. Also, the oil spilling caused much damage on people health by means of acid rain and shoot accumulation.
Possible Solution
Regardless of 2.8 million barrels of oil that are pumped from Niger delta on a daily basis, the Gas industry does not provide enough jobs to rescue people from poverty. Creek, river, farm are polluted with oil spills and the multinationals pumping the oil ignores the residents. In order to solve these issues, Nigerians have to first realize that they capable of resolving the Niger Delta problem on their own.
Some impacts oil pollution can have on the economy.
Yet, the current situation lacks financial, and communal aids. In contrast to the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico, not a single oil company operating in the Niger Delta apologized nor created a compensation plan for the residents. Clean up responses have never actually taken place, and the oil companies continue their dark trade with the Nigerian government. Therefore, the first solution should be an immediate work - to clean up every drop of oil that has been there for fifty years. This plan will open up employment for thousands of youths, and rehabilitate the environment. However, since it will be a costly project, the oil companies will probably refuse. Then we need laws that will force their work.
Immediate massive public projects such as road construction, clean up, and infrastructure rebuilding are in definite need for they will create jobs for all citizens. This is cut off the root cause- unemployment and poverty. If foreign help is involved, nations like U.S. can put pressure on oil companies and the Nigerian government to formulate a permanent solution such as loan guarantee for clean up and redevelopment.
Works Cited
"Causes of oil spills." Causes of oil spills. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <library.thinkquest.org/C004218/OilCauses.htm>.
During the 20th century, large dams emerged as one of the most effective tools for the management of water resources. Currently, there are more than 45,000 large dams across the globe that play major roles in communities and economies. There are multiple benefits of dam: water storage, flood control, irrigation, electrical power generation, industrialization, increased croplands, and improved domestic water availability. With such reasons, many nations utilize dams. In USSR, Rogun, Urek, and Inguri dams are famous for its height; other nations, such as Switzerland, Costa Rica, Italy, and India have Grand Dixence, Boruca, Vaiont, and Tehri dams, respectively. However, Aswan dam has been showing some negative aspects of dam. It was was built to halt detrimental flood damages in the Nile river. Its main objective also includes water accumulation for hydroelectric generation, and irrigation. Though it enhanced fishing industry and tourism, its negative effects are serious.
==
The Aswan High Dam isblocking the normal water flow of the Nile River from Lake Nasser.
==
Causes & Effects
The initial consequence of building Aswan Dam was the formation of Lake Nasser, the biggest artificial lake in the world. The lake in itself led to multiple changes such as relocation of Nubians and Abu Simbel Temples. During the process, much damage on the monuments was inevitable, and therefore scarred the valuable artifacts. The Aswan Dam blocks naturally deposited sediments, which should move to Northern Egypt. It subsequently caused lack of sediment, an accelerated coastal erosion, and decreased soil fertility. In addition to the lack of sediments, the standing water in irrigation canals has allowed a mass breeding of snails that carry a parasite called bilharzia. Other consequences include evaporation of Lake Nasser, increased aquatic weeds, a decrease in fishing, makes the Mediterranean Sea has become more salty due to the lack of fresh water, and increased algae growth.
As shown in the chart, less freshwater will be available in the future, and the Aswan Dam is speeding up the evaporation of Lake Nasser. This makes freshwater more unavailable.
Possible Solutions
The citizens and governments should be more alert with the issues regarding Aswan Dam. The government needs to exercise an immediate action to contend with the situation. A construction of low dams will facilitate flooding precautions, rather than for energy - that is, hydroelectric - generation. This means, that Aswan Dam needs to be lowered for not only the aforementioned purpose, but also to lock water in cases of massive floods; careful examination and regulation must also be in place to close dams when flooding does not occur. Also, the allowance of more water to be let through the dam will increase the natural sediment flow. This will stop the use of artificial fertilizers causing chemical pollution and slow down coastal erosion. The water flow will also prevent the rapid growth of snails, algae, and weeds. Lake Nasser, the artificial lake, could be the source of water, and this would reduce the loss of freshwater.
Human Environment Interactions
Carol C., David (Jin Seok) K, Joe B.World Geography G block
May 1, 2011
Desertification of Sahel
Global View
Desertification is one of the biggest environmental problem of today. It takes place in many of the drylands all over the world, causing many of its inhabitants to flee. Right now about 40 percent of Earth’s land are . Of this 40 percent, about 10 to 20 percent are being degraded into deserts. Already about one to six percent have already have suffered because of desertification, and about a billion people are under its threat. It is widely accepted that desertification is something that occurs mainly in Africa, but it is also going on in many other parts of the world. For example, in China, desertification is a huge problem that is going on in the rural areas.
Sahel
Sahel is the region below the Sahara desert and the Sudanian Savannas.The region is currently experiencing desertification, as parts of its land are turning into arid desert. One misconception about this process is that many people believe the cause of desertification in Sahel is because of its exposure to the Sahara desert. The actual cause, however, is that the agricultural activity and decrease in vegetation. This allows for wind to easily break up the soil cause erosion, eventually leading to desertification. The reason as to why agricultural activity and vegetation decreased is because of the increasing urbanization in these African countries. More and more farmers are leaving to the cities for a better job, deserting the Sahel to desertification. Another cause of desertification is the slashing and burning method that people use to clear out forests. The slashing and burning method is a very convenient way for people to get rid of forests, but is very harmful to the soil quality. Too much slashing and burning can permanently harm the land and turn it into desert as the soil erodes away. Another minor cause of Sahel's desertification is wrong method of irrigation that washed the topsoil of the land and cause the land to become salty and hard to vegetate on.
Effects
The effects of desertification of Sahel is harsh for many people who are living there. Farming has now become increasingly difficult for the remaining farmers. It has also affected its climate, making precipitation erratic and causing many droughts that caused damage to the farmers. This desertification harms not only the humans but the whole environment of the area. Animals and plants that once lived in the savanna now have to move or die because of the desertification that is taking over the grasslands. The partial desertification also created the sandstorms, which gave huge damage to those who got hit by it. In 2008, Heavy sandstorms hit the eastern plain of Somalia and the northeast part of Kenya, leaving heavy damage to the regions. Also on 2010, a major sandstorm hit Mauritania, Senegal, the Gambia and other regions which caused many people to suffer.
Solution to the problem
Possible solution to this problem is to increase vegetation and agricultural activities and intercrop edible perennials in their field. Perennials will stabilize the soil by holding on to the land tightly with its roots, therefore preventing the soil from getting eroded by water and wind. Perennials can also fertilize the land. This will not only stabilize the land, but also create more food for the farmers too. Another solution could be to replant and vegetate degrading areas that have yet turned into deserts. This process will be costly as planting and growing in the already degraded land would require expensive fertilization. Also, in order to prevent further desertification, the use of slashing and burning method to clean out land should be strictly prohibited or controlled. Irrigation should also be brought under close care.
Citations
"Desertification - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertification>.
"Desertification - a threat to the Sahel." Eden Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://www.eden-foundation.org/project/desertif.html>.
"Sahel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahel>.
"Desertification in the Sahel." Welcome to OceanWorld - Bringing the Ocean to the Classroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/desertificationinsahel.html>.
Oil Pollution in Nigerian Delta
Global Occurrences
Oil pollution is a global problem; every year, hundred million US gallon oil spills occur. In 1991, the biggest oil spill took place at Persian Gulf, and in 2010 of April, the second largest oil spill took place at the Gulf of Mexico. Other oil spills include in places like the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, Kolva River in Russia, and Saldanha Bay, South Africa.Causes of Oil Spill
This global issue arises from the massive demand of oil in many developed countries like United States. For example, approximately 710 million gallons of oil is needed for US to sustain its place. It is inevitable that more than 30 billion gallons of oil are at sea being transported every day, and most oil spills occur when these ships are carrying out routine operations at terminals. During loading and discharging, oil spillages occur. However, accidents such as tank collisions, hull failures, and explosions are also big causes of oil spillage as well.Causes of Oil Spill in Niger
Over two and a half million barrels of oil have been split into Niger Delta between 1976 and 1998. Intentional explosions and leaking pipelines are major causes of the oil losses, and because it ran through villages, farms, and rivers, it caused sickness and economic ruin for Nigerians near the delta. Furthermore, oil spills contaminated the water and the marine environment. Fishes caused even more sickness to people, and led to economic downfall of the fish industry.Effects in Niger
Because oil accounts for 80 to 90 percent of Nigeria’s income, the oil industry is crucial for Niger’s economic maintenance. However, the damages caused by companies and government are detrimental to environment and to humans. The damages are often intentional because bandits drain and resell the fuel, subsequently killing more than 2,000 people by pipeline explosions. Also, the oil spilling caused much damage on people health by means of acid rain and shoot accumulation.Possible Solution
Regardless of 2.8 million barrels of oil that are pumped from Niger delta on a daily basis, the Gas industry does not provide enough jobs to rescue people from poverty. Creek, river, farm are polluted with oil spills and the multinationals pumping the oil ignores the residents. In order to solve these issues, Nigerians have to first realize that they capable of resolving the Niger Delta problem on their own.Yet, the current situation lacks financial, and communal aids. In contrast to the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico, not a single oil company operating in the Niger Delta apologized nor created a compensation plan for the residents. Clean up responses have never actually taken place, and the oil companies continue their dark trade with the Nigerian government. Therefore, the first solution should be an immediate work - to clean up every drop of oil that has been there for fifty years. This plan will open up employment for thousands of youths, and rehabilitate the environment. However, since it will be a costly project, the oil companies will probably refuse. Then we need laws that will force their work.
Immediate massive public projects such as road construction, clean up, and infrastructure rebuilding are in definite need for they will create jobs for all citizens. This is cut off the root cause- unemployment and poverty. If foreign help is involved, nations like U.S. can put pressure on oil companies and the Nigerian government to formulate a permanent solution such as loan guarantee for clean up and redevelopment.
Works Cited
"Causes of oil spills." Causes of oil spills. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <library.thinkquest.org/C004218/OilCauses.htm>.Dawodu, Toyin. "How To Solve The Niger Delta Problem | Sahara Reporters." Sahara Reporters | Report Yourself. N.p., 11 Sept. 2010. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.saharareporters.com/article/how-solve-niger-delta-problem>.
Moss, Laura. "The 13 largest oil spills in history | MNN - Mother Nature Network." Environmental News and Information | MNN - Mother Nature Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/the-13-largest-oil-spills-in-history>.
"PLATFORM - Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta." PLATFORM London. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2011. <http://www.platformlondon.org/carbonweb/showitem.asp?article=73&parent=7&link=Y&gp=3>.
The Aswan Dam
Global Issue: Dam
During the 20th century, large dams emerged as one of the most effective tools for the management of water resources. Currently, there are more than 45,000 large dams across the globe that play major roles in communities and economies. There are multiple benefits of dam: water storage, flood control, irrigation, electrical power generation, industrialization, increased croplands, and improved domestic water availability. With such reasons, many nations utilize dams. In USSR, Rogun, Urek, and Inguri dams are famous for its height; other nations, such as Switzerland, Costa Rica, Italy, and India have Grand Dixence, Boruca, Vaiont, and Tehri dams, respectively. However, Aswan dam has been showing some negative aspects of dam. It was was built to halt detrimental flood damages in the Nile river. Its main objective also includes water accumulation for hydroelectric generation, and irrigation. Though it enhanced fishing industry and tourism, its negative effects are serious.==
==
Causes & Effects
The initial consequence of building Aswan Dam was the formation of Lake Nasser, the biggest artificial lake in the world.The lake in itself led to multiple changes such as relocation of Nubians and Abu Simbel Temples. During the process, much damage on the monuments was inevitable, and therefore scarred the valuable artifacts. The Aswan Dam blocks naturally deposited sediments, which should move to Northern Egypt. It subsequently caused lack of sediment, an accelerated coastal erosion, and decreased soil fertility. In addition to the lack of sediments, the standing water in irrigation canals has allowed a mass breeding of snails that carry a parasite called bilharzia. Other consequences include evaporation of Lake Nasser, increased aquatic weeds, a decrease in fishing, makes the Mediterranean Sea has become more salty due to the lack of fresh water, and increased algae growth.
Possible Solutions
The citizens and governments should be more alert with the issues regarding Aswan Dam. The government needs to exercise an immediate action to contend with the situation. A construction of low dams will facilitate flooding precautions, rather than for energy - that is, hydroelectric - generation. This means, that Aswan Dam needs to be lowered for not only the aforementioned purpose, but also to lock water in cases of massive floods; careful examination and regulation must also be in place to close dams when flooding does not occur. Also, the allowance of more water to be let through the dam will increase the natural sediment flow. This will stop the use of artificial fertilizers causing chemical pollution and slow down coastal erosion. The water flow will also prevent the rapid growth of snails, algae, and weeds. Lake Nasser, the artificial lake, could be the source of water, and this would reduce the loss of freshwater.Sources
"Aswan Dam." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aswan_Dam>.
Nasa, . STS102-303-17 Aswan High Dam, Egypt . Earth from Space. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/EFS/lores.pl?PHOTO=STS102-303-17>.
R, Oosterbaan J. NileCanals. 2008. Wikipedia. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NileCanals.JPG>.
temperature and percent oxygen saturation - Aswan High Dam Reservoir. World Lake Database. Web. 30 Apr. 2011. <http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/LakeDB2/Data.asp?LakeID=AFR-19&DataID=9998&RoutePrm=0%3A%3B9%3Aload%3B12%3Aload%3B3%3ALakeID%3D%26DataID%3D18%3B1%3ALakeID%3DAFR-19%3B2%3ALakeID%3DAFR-19%3B>.